Thursday, December 12, 2024

England will have to overcome ‘ITV curse’ to reach Euro 2024 quarter-finals

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England face Slovakia in this evening’s last-16 clash at Euro 2024 – but the match is being broadcast on ITV which has seen many a slip-up over the years at major tournaments

Gareth Southgate looks on during the 0-0 draw between England and Slovenia(Getty Images)

England are once again bidding to end 58 years of hurt as they kick off their knockout stage campaign at Euro 2024.

The Three Lions face Slovakia this evening in Gelsenkirchen looking to book their place in the last eight after a less than convincing group stage.




Gareth Southgate’s side beat Serbia 1-0 before draws against Denmark and Slovenia, but crucially topped their group to land a more favourable route to the final… at least on paper.

Should they overcome Slovakia, they will take on Switzerland in the last eight after they got the better of Italy on Saturday.

But tonight’s big game will take place on ITV – a broadcaster that England have traditionally struggled on in previous major tournaments.

Since 1998, England have won just seven of the 31 matches which have been broadcast on ITV. That figure consists of 14 draws and 10 defeats, the latter of which includes the quarter-final loss against France at the 2022 World Cup.

By contrast, England have a fine record on the BBC, who co-cover the tournament. The Three Lions have won 20 of their 29 matches which have been shown on the BBC across the same period, including the 1-0 win over Serbia earlier this month.

The Rest is Entertainment podcast shed some light on how the BBC and ITV share coverage of the tournament in the build-up to the Slovenia match, explaining that both take it in turns to select matches.

Buy England’s Euro 2024 kit

The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.

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